Calling all Social Workers

Thank you for the resources, ladies! "Children's Act Made Simple" is DEFINITELY something that's needed.

Maple, nice to see some Scottish information in there. I was thinking about looking into Scottish social work, but figured I'd stick to tackling one beast at a time. 

For Adult Social Services, main legislation:
NHS and Community Care Act 1990
Also National Assistance Act 1948

For Mental Health:
Mental Health Act 1983

Other:
Carers (Recognition and Services) Act 1995 (see http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/Carers/DH_079444
Disability Discrimination Act 1995
 
You should be able to find information about these Acts here and other information here:
http://www.scie-socialcareonline.org.uk/about.asp
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/SocialCare/index.htm

For any foreign qualified social workers coming to the UK, interested in UK practice or are in the UK, the Open University has some open access information here, if I haven't pointed it out before:

http://www.open.ac.uk/openlearn/home.php

Especially look under the sections 'Health and Lifestyle' and 'Law' (mostly 'K' encoded courses)

Thanks, guys, for all the useful information. It has been beyond helpful!

I am in the process of completing my GSCC registration and I have a couple questions that I wish to throw out there. Any input would be appreciated!!

First off, I have my bachelors degree and masters degree in social work (back to back). The form only allows space for one degree. Should I just inform them of my Masters degree? I am not sure, because I still would like to tell them about my undergrad field placements.

Also, as evidence they are asking for a "qualification certificate," which should include the degree title, education institution, and award date. What exactly is that certificate? Is it my diploma?

Lastly, they are asking for the transcripts to include the courses and grades, as well as the specific field placements completed. However, my transcript does not include my field placement hours and details, because that information is embedded in the course syllabi. I wonder if anyone else has had a similar situation? What did you do for the evidence of your field placements? I would love you advice!

Thank you!!!!

I did my GSCC application a year ago so it's a bit fuzzy.  The qualification certificate is your degree.  I would send a copy of your MSW and refer to the MSW in the application.  I don't remember sending my transcript.  I think the degree was enough.  Don't worry about the field placement info. I just put the number of hours and other info requested about the placement on the application.  I didn't provide verification because I didn't have it either.  Sorry if that sounds vague but I hope it helps.

I sent the information for both, just to be on the safe side. I just printed out the credentials pages twice, filled one out for BSW and the other for MSW.

I would supply information for both your BSW and MSW as Gyladene suggests and supply copies of the actual MSW and BSW diplomas, copies of transcripts for both of your degrees and copies syllabi information for all of your courses to cover your bases. Keep copies of everything that you supply them.

HTH and best of luck! 

Thanks, everyone, for your help! I am going to take your advice! I honestly don't know what I would do without all your guidance.

Hi Guys!

I've got good news! I was just offered a job for a social work position in West Sussex, England. I interviewed this past Tuesday. I am very excited! I know this is just the beginning, and it is going to be difficult! It is a good thing I welcome challenges!

I am just curious, if anyone has some insight on general preparation of the move to England as a social worker?

Thank you!

Congratulations!  

Professionally, I would suggest look at some of the educational links and key legislation stuff highlighted already in this thread.

To adjust, I’d recommend the following suggestions:

Maybe if you volunteered you'd be able to do something that was both and interest, meet new people and get UKL work experience? http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/Gettinginvolvedinyourcommunity/Volunteering/DG_10029484

Where are you? There are lots of things that are on for free you could do. Check with your local authority as a place to start.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Dl1/Directories/Localcouncils/index.htm

If you are in London: http://www.timeout.com/

Maybe take a course? http://www.learndirect.co.uk/

Or meet people with common interests: http://www.meetup.com/

For housing:
http://www.findaproperty.com/agentdetails.aspx?edid=00&salerent=0&agentid=25811
http://www.zoopla.co.uk/
http://www.rightmove.co.uk/

Is your employer going to help with housing and related issues?
http://www.westsussex.gov.uk/ccm/portal/

To understand neighbourhoods:
http://www.upmystreet.com/

Good international moving checklist:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Governmentcitizensandrights/LivingintheUK/DG_4000140

also has links to council tax, driving licences, TV licence and many other issues. How to rent in  the UK etc.

If you stay long term and want to consider your PhD in social work, bearing in mind possible international student fees:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Find_courses_and_research_gs/p!eefXfmd?keyword=social+work+&delfilter=location%2F50%2F51%2F52%2F61%2F118&filter=q%2FPhD&filter=subject%2F2042%2F2160&filter=location%2F50%2F51%2F52%2F61%2F118&action=removefilter&offset=0&2waynocompress=1

ETA: A great source for definitive British social work texts to help you professionally, buy them here: http://www.jkp.com/

The British Association of Social Workers also publishes social work texts: http://www.basw.co.uk/pubevents/

Community Care is also a good social work magazine:
http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Home/

Thank you maplegirl!!!! You're like an expert! Are you there working as a social worker?

West Sussex has hired a relocation company to help us find a place to live, open a bank account, etc...which is really helpful! Also, they arranged for the new American employees to be housed and fed for the first two weeks we get there!

I am beyond excited for this new chapter in my life!

Congrats to you! What kind of position is it? Children & Families?

Hooray! 

Thank you maplegirl!!!! You're like an expert! Are you there working as a social worker?

West Sussex has hired a relocation company to help us find a place to live, open a bank account, etc...which is really helpful! Also, they arranged for the new American employees to be housed and fed for the first two weeks we get there!

I am beyond excited for this new chapter in my life!

You're welcome!

Yes, I am a social worker in the disability field, working with both adults and children. Worked for government in British Columbia, in London, the Reading area in Berkshire and Leeds, but I am now in the voluntary / non profit sector.

Best wishes in your new post! 

Anyone see Dispatches: Undercover Social Worker tonight? Only caught the latter half.

'In the wake of the tragic death of Baby P and other high-profile cases of child abuse and murder, Dispatches investigates allegations that child protection procedures and practices continue to be inadequate.

A Dispatches reporter worked undercover in a UK social services department for three months, discovering what child protection services are actually like on the ground.

His disturbing investigation uncovers a lack of resources, inadequate staff support and training, high workloads, poor morale and overwhelming amounts of red tape and 'box-ticking', reducing the time that social workers can spend helping children.

The programme also raises questions about what is actually being done to protect some of Britain's most vulnerable children.'

http://www.channel4.com/programmes/dispatches/

I mailed my application on 28 May which was a Friday at 5pm. The GSCC got it on the the June 1 or 2 and I was approved TODAY! It has only been about a week! I am so excited now I just need to get my provisional drivers license and get insured on my new car... It is in my DH's name since the company won't put me on unless I have my provisional. Do you all know if West Sussex would hire someone for a children and families job if they have little to no experience in it? I am just tired of working with the elderly and want to work with children and families.

Thanks so much for your thoughts!